Capsule clusters for oral consumption

ABSTRACT

An oral product includes a matrix including a mixture of a plurality of capsules, a powdered component, a viscous component and a binder and wherein the matrix is molded into a shape. In a preferred embodiment, the capsules provide functional and flavorful ingredients. In an embodiment, the matrix is enclosed in a porous material that forms a pouch.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/425,601, filed Feb. 6, 2017, which is acontinuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/573,524,filed Dec. 17, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,668,503, issued Jun. 6, 2017,which is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/155,634, filed Jun. 6, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,940,344, issuedentitled Jan. 27, 2015, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e)to U.S. provisional Application No. 60/929,028, filed on Jun. 8, 2007,the entire contents of each is incorporated herein by reference.

SUMMARY

Provided is an oral product for providing an engaging and flavorful oralexperience to a user.

In one embodiment, the oral product includes a plurality of functionaland/or flavor capsules and a binder that are mixed to form a matrix. Ina preferred embodiment, the matrix is molded into a shape chosen fromthe group consisting of a pouch-shape, crescent, half-moon, rhombus,trapezoid, ellipsis, rectangle, heart, square, oval, sphere, and thelike.

Preferably, the flavors and juices from the matrix are able to exit thepouch via pores in the pouch material. Preferably, each component of thematrix provides a different flavor, function, and/or texture. In otherembodiments, each component of the matrix provides the same flavor,function and/or texture.

Preferably, the functional and/or flavor capsules are activated bymastication, sucking, or pH change. In an embodiment, the mastication,sucking action, or pH change preferably releases flavors or texturalingredients, such as an effervescent. In another embodiment, a vitaminor antioxidant is released. In another embodiment, the functional flavorcapsules may provide a soothing ingredient, an energizing ingredient, acalming ingredient or an alerting ingredient.

In a preferred embodiment, the matrix includes a powdered component. Inanother embodiment, the matrix includes a viscous component.

In an embodiment, the oral product includes a porous material that formsa pouch. Preferably, the pouch contains capsules and/or a binder. In anembodiment, the contents of the pouch may completely or partially fillthe interior of the pouch. In a preferred embodiment, a powderedcomponent or a viscous component may also be enclosed in the pouch. Inan embodiment, the capsules can contain non-viscous liquid components.

In a preferred embodiment, the porous material is dissolvable.Alternatively, the porous materials may be disintegrable. In anembodiment, the porous material may not be dissolvable or disintegrable,but may be removed from the mouth after the enclosed matrix has beenconsumed.

In another preferred embodiment, the porous material is a fabric orpaper, such as those used in the production of tea bags or other oralpouches. In other embodiments, dissolvable or disintegrable polymers mayalso be used to form the pouch.

In another embodiment, the oral product includes a porous material thatforms a coating around the matrix. Preferably, the coating is asuper-hydrated membrane coating that provides additional moisture andgood mouth feel to the user.

Also provided is a method for forming an oral product. In a preferredembodiment, the method includes mixing a binder and a plurality ofcapsules to form a matrix. The method also includes molding the matrixto create an oral product that is sized and configured to fitcomfortably in a user's mouth.

In a preferred embodiment, the matrix is placed into a pouch and sealedtherein to create a pouched oral product. In another embodiment, aplurality of capsules are inserted into a pouch to form an oral pouchedproduct. In yet another embodiment, the molded matrix is coated with asuper-hydrated membrane coating.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a capsule cluster including a plurality ofcapsules, a binder, optionally a powdered component, and optionally aviscous substance.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an oral product, includinga binder, enclosed in a porous pouch.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an oral product, excludinga binder, enclosed in a porous pouch.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross sectional view of one embodiment of an oralproduct with a super-hydrated, monolayer membrane coating.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As described herein, an oral product, in the form of a capsule cluster,provides an engaging, flavorful, aromatic, energizing, and/or soothingexperience by delivering ingredients to a user in a consumable unit. Ina preferred embodiment, the ingredients form a matrix that is moldedinto an oral product. In another embodiment, the matrix is enclosed in aporous pouch designed to be inserted in the mouth. In yet anotherembodiment, a plurality of capsules are contained in a pouch product. Inanother embodiment, the matrix is coated by a super-hydrated membranecoating. Preferably, each ingredient of the capsules, pouch, and/orcoating provides a different texture or flavor to enhance the oralenjoyment of the product.

As best seen in FIG. 1, an oral product 10 is provided. Preferably, theoral product 10 includes a matrix 50. In a preferred embodiment, thematrix 50 is formed by combining a plurality of functional and/or flavorcapsules 12 and a binder 13.

In a preferred embodiment, the binder 13 is a food grade adhesive, gumor other binder. Suitable binders include, without limitation, sodiumalginate, sugar, agar, guar gum, flour, water, maltodextrin and thelike. In a preferred embodiment, the binder 13 is added in an effectiveamount such as about 10% to about 60% by weight of the oral product. Iftoo much binder 13 is used the product is too viscous and will notadequately hold together. If too little binder 13 is used the oralproduct will be dry and may not hold together.

In a preferred embodiment, capsules 12 of various sizes are included inthe oral product 10. Also preferably, about 2 to about 40 capsules 12are included in the oral product 10, depending on the size of the finalproduct and the size of the capsules. Preferably, the capsules 12 rangein size from about 1 mm to about 8 mm depending on the ingredientscontained therein. In an embodiment, the capsules 12 can have an averagesize of about 8 mm to about 14 mm or larger. In an embodiment, thecapsules 12 form the majority of the oral product 10.

Preferably, the capsules 12 include functional and/or flavor ingredientsso as to provide various textures and flavors to the user.

In a preferred embodiment, the capsules 12 include various functionalingredients such as, without limitation, chemesthesis agents,antioxidants, vitamins, soothing agents, energizing agents, alertingagents, calming agents, and the like. In a preferred embodiment, thesoothing agents include, without limitation, theanine, chamomile,lavender, jasmine, and the like. Preferably, the energizing ingredientsor vitamins include, without limitation, caffeine, taurine, guarana,vitamin B6, vitamin B12, and the like. Suitable chemesthesis ingredientsprovide, without limitation, hot, spicy, or cooling flavors such asmint, menthol, capsaicin, cinnamon, pepper, and the like.

In an embodiment, the capsules 12 can include an effervescent agent.Suitable effervescent agents include, without limitation, gases, bakingsoda and citric acid.

The capsules 12 and/or the porous pouch may include berry flavors suchas, without limitation, pomegranate, acai, raspberry, blueberry,strawberry, and/or cranberry. Other suitable flavors include, withoutlimitation, any natural or synthetic flavor or aroma, such as menthol,peppermint, spearmint, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, cognac, hydrangea,lavender, chocolate, licorice, citrus and other fruit flavors, such asapple, peach, pear, cherry, plum, orange and grapefruit, gammaoctalactone, vanillin, ethyl vanillin, breath freshener flavors, spiceflavors such as cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, sage, anise, and fennel, methylsalicylate, linalool, jasmine, coffee, bergamot oil, geranium oil, lemonoil, and ginger oil. Other flavorants include hot and spicy flavorsand/or natural botanicals, such as guarana. The capsules 12 may alsoinclude botanical components including tea and tea extracts and/or herbsand herb extracts.

In an embodiment, the capsules 12 have shells of varying thicknesses.Varying the thicknesses of the shells of the capsules 12 included in theoral product 10 allows for the ingredients contained in each capsule 12to be released at varying rates so as to prolong the flavor and/orfunctional experience. Preferably, the shells range in thickness fromabout 0.1 mm to about 7 mm (e.g., about 1 mm to about 4 mm or about 2 mmto about 5 mm), depending on the size of the capsule and the preferreddissolution rate. Preferably, the capsules having the thinnest shellsdissolve first to release the enclosed flavors and functionalingredients. Capsules having thicker shells dissolve thereafter toprovide continued flavor and functional ingredients.

In a preferred embodiment, the ingredients of the capsules 12 arereleased by mastication, sucking, moisture, pH change, and the like.Each of the capsules 12 included in the oral product 10 may have thesame or a different release mechanism to aid in varying the release rateof the capsules 12.

In a preferred embodiment, the matrix 50 also includes a powderedcomponent 14 to provide an additional layer of texture and/or flavor.Preferably, the powdered component 14 is added to the matrix in anamount of about 10% to about 40% by weight of the oral product (e.g.,about 10% to about 20%, about 20% to about 30% or about 30% to about40%). If too much of the powdered component 14 is used, the matrix 50becomes too dry. If too little of the powdered component 14 is used, noadditional texture is provided to the user. In an embodiment, thepowdered component can include ground, chopped or shredded material. Thepowdered component 14 can be dispersed throughout the matrix 50 orplaced in discrete locations within the matrix 50.

Preferably, the powdered component 14 is selected from, withoutlimitation, dry sour cream, baking soda, powdered sugar, powdered cocoa,powdered spices, and/or powdered herbs and other botanicals such as teaand/or tea extracts or guarana. The powdered component 14 is mixed intothe matrix 50 containing the capsules 12 and the binder 13 to provide anadditional texture and flavor for the user.

In another embodiment, the matrix 50 also includes a viscous substance.In a preferred embodiment, the viscous substance 16 is selected fromsubstances such as honey, molasses, syrups, and the like. Preferably,the viscous substance 16 is included in the matrix 50 in an effectiveamount such as about 20% to about 70% by weight of the oral product(e.g., about 20% to about 30%, about 30% to about 40%, about 40% toabout 50%, about 50% to about 60% or about 60% to about 70%). Theviscous component 16 can be dispersed throughout the matrix 50 or placedin discrete locations within the matrix 50.

If too much of the viscous substance 16 is used the matrix 50 is toogooey. Preferably, enough of the viscous substance 16 is used to providean additional texture and/or flavor to the user.

Preferably, the viscous substance 16 has low water activity andtherefore, may be partially dried. Preferably, the water activity of theviscous substance 16 is about 0.4 aw to about 0.8 aw. Most preferably,the water activity of the viscous substance 16 is about 0.56 aw. If toomuch water remains in the viscous substance 16, the matrix 50 will nothold together and cannot be molded or contained within a pouch prior toconsumption. However, some water is desired to give the user anothertexture and flavor when ingesting the oral product 10.

In an embodiment, the viscous substance 16 acts as the binder to holdthe capsules 12 together in the matrix 50. When used as the binder, theviscous substance 16 is added in an effective amount such as about 10%to about 60% by weight of the oral product.

In a preferred embodiment, the matrix 50 is molded into a shape that issized and configured to fit comfortably in a user's mouth. The matrix 50may be molded into a variety of shapes including, without limitation,pouch shape, circle, rhombus, trapezoid, ellipsis, oval, square,rectangle, heart, rod-shape, half-moon shape, crescent shape, teardrop,oblong shape, and the like. In an embodiment, the shape of the matrix 50is indicative of the flavor. Thus, the matrix may be in the shape offruits, vegetables, or other objects that can indicate a flavor. Forinstance, the matrix 50 could be in the shape of a pepper to indicate ahot and/or spicy flavor. In an embodiment, the shape of the matrix maybe indicative of the contents or flavor. For example, a tea leaf shapedmatrix can include teas and/or tea extracts.

Preferably, the matrix 50 is molded so that the dimensions of the shapeare about 10 mm to about 25 mm in length, about 10 mm to about 25 mm inwidth, and about 10 mm to about 25 mm thick. Also preferably, the matrix50 that forms the oral product 10 weighs about 0.2 g to about 5.0 g orabout 0.5 g to about 5.0 g. Preferably, the matrix 50 has dimensions anda weight that allow the matrix 50 to fit comfortably and discreetly in auser's mouth.

In one embodiment, as seen in FIG. 2, an oral, pouched product 20includes a porous material 35 that forms a pouch 30. In a preferredembodiment, the pouch 30 contains the matrix 50. Preferably, the matrix50 contains a plurality of capsules 12, a binder 13, optionally apowdered component 14, and/or optionally a viscous component 16. In apreferred embodiment, the matrix 50 completely fills the interior of thepouch 30. In another embodiment, the matrix 50 partially fills theinterior of the pouch 30.

Preferably, the pouch 30 is sized and configured to fit comfortably in auser's mouth. Preferably, the pouched oral product 30 provides a singleserving of flavor and/or functional ingredients, and the pouch isdiscarded after use.

In an embodiment, the pouch 30 has dimensions of about 0.1 inches toabout 2.0 inches. In an embodiment, the pouched oral product 30 weighsbetween about 0.5 g and 5.0 g. Oral products 30 that weigh more may notfit comfortably in the user's mouth.

Preferred pouch shapes include, without limitation, a half moon, sphere,rectangle, square, oval, pouch-shape, crescent, rod-shape, oblong,cylindrical, tea leaf, tear drop, or hourglass shapes. In an embodiment,the pouch-shape is similar to a ravioli or pillow shape. Other shapesmay be utilized so long as the shapes are comfortable (do not have roughedges that are uncomfortable to the user) and fit discreetly in a user'smouth. In an embodiment, the shape of the pouch is indicative of theflavor. Thus, the pouch may be shaped as fruits, vegetables, or otherobjects. For instance, the pouch could be in the shape of a banana toindicate a banana flavor.

In a preferred embodiment, the pouched oral product 30 is made of aporous material 35. Preferably, the porous material 35 allows theflavors and functional ingredients contained in the matrix 50 to diffuseout of the pouch 30 and into the user's mouth.

The porous material 35 may be a fabric or paper such as those commonlyused to construct tea bags. Alternatively, the porous material 35 may bean edible, dissolvable, or disintegrable material made from polymerscommonly used in the food industry. In an embodiment, the porousmaterial 35 is flavored. In another embodiment, the porous material 35is neither dissolvable nor disintegrable, and must be removed from theuser's mouth after the matrix 50 is consumed.

In yet another embodiment, as seen in FIG. 3, a pouched oral product 20is provided. The pouched oral product 20 includes a plurality ofcapsules 12 that provide flavor and/or functional ingredients. Thecapsules 12 are contained in a pouch 30 that is made of a porousmaterial 35, as described above, so that the flavors and functionalingredients can diffuse into the user's mouth.

In a preferred embodiment, the oral product is coated by asemi-dissolvable, super-hydrated membrane coating prepared from amulti-component polymer. In a preferred embodiment, as seen in FIG. 4,the matrix 50 is coated with a two polymer solution as disclosed in U.S.Utility patent application Ser. No. 11/984,041, the entire content ofwhich is incorporated by reference.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an oralproduct 70 including a matrix 50 coated with a super-hydrated, monolayermembrane coating 60. The super-hydrated membrane coating 60 has a singlelayer, bicomponent coating that coats the matrix 50. The bicomponentcoating 60 includes a soluble polymer and an insoluble polymer which maybe the same or different polymer.

Preferably, the oral product 70 is sized and configured to fitcomfortably between the user's cheek and gum. The oral product 70 may beformed in many shapes including, without limitation, spheres,rectangles, oblong shapes, circles, tear drops, squares, half-moonshapes, and the like.

In a preferred embodiment, the coating encloses a pre-portioned matrix50. Also, the coating allows the functional and/or flavor ingredients toleach out of the coating, while still remaining intact to hold thematrix 50 within the coating through the duration of use. The coatingprovides a soft compliant feel to the tongue and mouth tissues.

Once the soluble component of the super-hydrated membrane coating 60dissolves or disintegrates, additional moisture and/or flavors arereleased into the user's mouth. Thereafter, the flavors and/orfunctional ingredients pass through the coating to provide anuninterrupted flavor experience to the user.

In a preferred embodiment, the super-hydrated membrane coating 60 may beprovided with a desired rate of dissolution of the soluble component ofthe coating by altering the proportion of the soluble component to theinsoluble component.

In another embodiment, the super-hydrated membrane coating 60 includesflavors, sweeteners, and/or a chemesthesis agent. The flavors,sweeteners and chemesthesis agents can be released upon dissolution ofthe soluble component of the super-hydrated membrane coating. If slowrelease of certain flavor additives is desired, such additives can beincorporated in the insoluble component. Preferably, the releasedflavors enhance the oral sensorial experience of the oral product user.

In a preferred embodiment, the super-hydrated membrane coating is notmessy or sticky to the touch. Because two polymers are used to createthe coating, when a user touches the coating, the polymers do notdisassociate from one another. Therefore, the coating is not sticky whenthe product is removed from a package and placed in the mouth.

Preferably, the final oral product 70 weighs about 0.5 grams to about5.0 grams. The weight is predominately based on the weight of theenclosed matrix 50 since the weight of the super-hydrated membranecoating 60 is minimal in comparison. In an embodiment, the shaped oralproduct 70 may be up to about 25 mm long, up to 25 mm in height, and upto 25 mm in width. Preferably, the oral product 70 is flexible,compressible, and capable of conforming to the shape of the oral cavity.

In an embodiment wherein the super-hydrated membrane coating 60 includesadditives such as natural or artificial sweeteners, preferred sweetenersinclude, without limitation, water soluble sweeteners such asmonosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides such as xylose,ribose, sucrose, maltose, fructose, glucose, and mannose. In anembodiment, sugar alcohols such as xylitol, sorbitol, mannitol and thelike can be included. Also, non-nutritive sweeteners, such as sucralose,acesulfame K, neotame, aspartame and combinations thereof can also beincluded in the coating.

In an embodiment wherein additives such as chemesthesis agents may alsobe included in the super-hydrated membrane coating 60, preferredchemesthesis agents for inclusion in the super-hydrated membrane coatinginclude, without limitation, capsaicin, tannins, mustard oil,wintergreen oil, cinnamon oil, allicin, quinine, citric acid, and salt.

In one embodiment, the super-hydrated membrane coating is created viaionic cross-linking. One or more polymers are used to create a singlelayer, thin membrane coating over the matrix 50.

In a preferred embodiment, a multi-component polymer coating containingat least two polymers is used so that the properties of thesuper-hydrated membrane coating, such as the rate of dissolution and thesize and amount of pores in the coating, can be controlled.

The size of the pores, created when the soluble component dissolves, maybe altered by patterning the coating in such a way as to ensure thesoluble component is only in certain spots and in certain amounts sothat once the soluble component dissolves away the pores are of adesired size.

In a preferred embodiment, the matrix 50 is molded in any shape tocreate a preform. Preferably, the matrix 50 is then dipped in a polymersolution containing two different polymers dissolved in water.Preferably, a chemically cross-linkable polymer and a non-cross-linkablepolymer are used.

In a preferred embodiment, the concentration of the film forming polymersolution is about 0.5 wt % to 20 wt % polymer in the solution. Mostpreferably, the concentration of the film forming polymer solution isabout 1 wt % to 1.5 wt % of the polymer components with the balancebeing water.

The concentration of the polymer solution determines the thickness ofthe coating membrane 60. The thickness of the coating can in turn affecthow quickly the soluble component of the coating dissolves in a user'smouth. The coating 60 is a moist, gel-like coating when formed and themoistness is preferably retained until use. Preferably, the coated oralproduct 70 is hermetically sealed in suitable packaging to preventmoisture in the matrix 50 and coating 60 from evaporating.

If the coating 60 is peeled off of the oral product 70 and completelydried, the coating is preferably about 0.02 mm to 1.0 mm thick. Morepreferably, when the coating 60 is completely dried, it is about 0.08 mmto 0.14 mm thick. In a most preferred embodiment, the coating 60 whencompletely dried is about 0.11 mm thick. It should be noted that thecoating 60 is not intended to be dried, but rather retains a highmoisture content.

In a preferred embodiment, the weight of the coating 60 when completelydried is about 0.013 g for a coated oral product 70 weighing about 2.5g. In contrast, the weight of the coating 60 for a coated oral product70 weighing about 2.5 g, when the coating 60 is at the preferredmoisture content is about 0.15 g.

After coating 60 the matrix 50 with the film forming polymer solution,cross-linking is conducted with a cross-linking solution including amonovalent metal ion salt or a bivalent metal ion salt.

Preferably, the cross-linking solution contains a bivalent metal ionsalt. Most preferably, the cross-linking solution includes calciumlactate, which is commonly used in the food industry. In one embodiment,the cross-linking solution is a 2.0 wt % calcium lactate solution.

The oral product 70 is then exposed to air or patted dry to evaporateexcess moisture to a water activity level of less than or equal to about0.87 aw. The oral product 70 is not fully dried so that the moisturecontent remains high in the super-hydrated coating.

By using both a non-cross-linkable polymer and a cross-linkable polymer,the porosity and strength of the super-hydrated membrane coating can becontrolled. For instance, the dissolution rate of the resultingsuper-hydrated membrane coating 60 can be altered by modifying thespecific proportion of cross-linked to non-cross-linked polymers. In apreferred embodiment, the coating 60 contains about 10 wt % to about 90wt % of the cross-linked polymer. Preferably, the proportion ofcross-linked polymer in the coating 60 is about 60 wt % to about 70 wt%.

In another embodiment, the polymer solution and the cross-linkingsolution can be patterned, overprinted, or sprayed onto the matrix 50preform to form a network having a soluble component and an insolublecomponent. The polymer solution may include a chemically, cross-linkablepolymer and a non-cross-linkable polymer. Alternatively, the polymersolution may include a single chemically, cross- linkable polymer. Whena single polymer is used, the cross-linking solution may be selectivelysprayed to leave some portions of the coating non-cross-linked andsoluble. The soluble component of the coating 60 may dissolve, leaving aporous network of insoluble component in place to maintain coherence ofthe matrix 50, while allowing the free flow of saliva in the user'smouth.

In an embodiment, the process may be automated. For instance, thecoating step may occur via spraying the polymer solution and thecross-linking solution alternately onto a preformed portion of thematrix 50 to create a cross-linked, thin, super-hydrated membranecoating 60 of a desired thickness.

Fillers may be added to the coating 60 to make the coating opaque.Colorants may also be added to alter the color of the coating 60.

The following examples are exemplary and are not meant to limit anyaspects of the embodiments disclosed herein.

Example 1

To form a super-hydrated membrane coating by ionic cross-linking of twobiopolymers, a round bottom flask is charged with 1.0 g alginate, 0.5 gstarch and 98.5 mL of deionized water. The mixture is stirred and heatedto about 50° C. to 100° C. to dissolve the biopolymers The solution iscooled down to room temperature and then transferred to a plastic pan.2.5 g of the matrix is first molded into a rectangular shape and thendipped into the above described solution. A cross-linking solution of2.0 wt % calcium lactate in water is prepared. The coating on the matrixis then cross-linked with the 2.0 wt % cross-linking solution. Thesample is exposed in air to evaporate moisture until the weight of thecoated oral product reaches about 2.5 g to 2.8 g.

Example 2

To form a super-hydrated membrane coating by ionic cross-linking of twobiopolymers, a round bottom flask is charged with 1.0 g alginate, 0.5 ggum arabic and 98.5 mL of deionized water. The mixture is stirred andheated to about 50° C. to 100° C. to dissolve the biopolymers. Thesolution is cooled down to room temperature and then transferred to aplastic pan. A cross-linking solution of 2.0 wt % calcium lactate inwater is created. 2.5 g of the matrix is first molded into a rectangularshape and then dipped into the above described solution. The coating onthe matrix is then cross-linked with the 2.0 wt % cross-linkingsolution. The sample is exposed in air to evaporate moisture until theweight of the coated oral product reaches about 2.5 g to 2.8 g.

Example 3

To form a super-hydrated membrane coating by ionic cross-linking of twobiopolymers, a round bottom flask is charged with 1.0 g alginate, 0.5 gsoy protein and 98.5 mL of deionized water. The mixture is stirred andheated to about 50° C. to 100° C. to dissolve the biopolymers. Thesolution is cooled down to room temperature and then transferred to aplastic pan. A cross-linking solution of 2.0 wt % calcium lactate isprepared. 2.5 g of the matrix is first molded into a rectangular shapeand then dipped into the above described biopolymer solution. Thecoating on the matrix is then cross-linked with the 2.0 wt %cross-linking solution. The sample is exposed in air to evaporatemoisture until the weight of the coated moist oral product reaches about2.5 g to 2.8 g.

Also provided is a method of making an oral product. The method includesblending a plurality of capsules and a binder to form a matrix. In anembodiment a powder or a viscous substance may be blended with thecapsules and binder to provide additional textures and flavors.

In one embodiment, the matrix is molded into a shape and size that fitscomfortably in a user's mouth.

In another embodiment, a pouch is made from a porous material. The pouchcan be formed of any shape and the seams can be formed by heat sealing.Preferably, the matrix is placed inside the pouch and the opening of thepouch is sealed so that the matrix is fully enclosed within the pouch.

While the foregoing has been described in detail with reference tospecific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to one skilled in theart that various changes and modifications may be made, and equivalentsthereof employed, without departing from the scope of the claims.

We claim:
 1. An oral product comprising a matrix comprising: a binder; aviscous component; an optional powdered component; and a plurality ofcapsules, the matrix molded into a shape sized and configured to fitcomfortably in a mouth, and the matrix enclosed in a membrane coatingincluding, a soluble, non-cross-linked component, and an insoluble,cross-linked component, the soluble, non-cross-linked componentincluding a non-cross-linkable polymer including starch, dextrin, gumarabic, guar gum, chitosan, cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polylactide,soy protein, whey protein, or any combination thereof, and theinsoluble, cross-linked component including a chemically cross-linkablepolymer including one or more modified polysaccharides withcross-linkable functional groups.
 2. The oral product of claim 1,wherein the shape is a pouch, sphere, rectangle, square, crescent,oblong, oval, rod-shape, or any combination thereof and wherein theviscous component is included in the oral product in an amount of about20% to about 70% by weight of the oral product, the viscous componentincluding honey, molasses, syrup, or any, combination thereof.
 3. Theoral product of claim 1, wherein the plurality of capsules comprises aplurality of functional capsules, flavor capsules, or both functionalcapsules and flavor capsules, which provide multiple textures andflavors when placed in a mouth and wherein the plurality of functionalcapsules, flavor capsules, or both functional capsules and flavorcapsules forms the majority of the oral product.
 4. The oral product ofclaim 3, wherein the matrix further includes a powdered component in anamount of about 10% to about 40% by weight of the oral product, thepowdered component including dry sour cream, powdered sugar, powderedspices, powdered herbs, powdered botanicals including tea, herbs,spices, or any combination thereof, powdered cocoa, or any combinationthereof.
 5. The oral product of claim 3, wherein the viscous componentis included in the oral product in an amount of about 20% to about 70%by weight of the oral product, the viscous component including honey,molasses, syrup, or any combination thereof.
 6. The oral product ofclaim 3, wherein each of the functional capsules, flavor capsules, orboth functional capsules and flavor capsules is activated by a mechanismincluding mastication, pH change, sucking, or any combination thereof.7. The oral product of claim 3, wherein the functional capsules release(a) an effervescent; (b) a vitamin; (c) a soothing ingredient; (d) anenergizing ingredient; (e) an alerting ingredient; (f) a calmingingredient, or any combination thereof.
 8. The oral product of claim 7,wherein the soothing ingredient includes chamomile, lavender, jasmine,or any combination thereof.
 9. The oral product of claim 7, wherein theenergizing ingredient includes caffeine, taurine, guarana, vitamin B6,vitamin B12, or any combination thereof.
 10. The oral product of claim3, wherein the oral product includes about 2 to 40 functional capsules,flavor capsules, or both, functional capsules and flavor capsules, oneor more of the functional capsules, the flavor capsules, or both thefunctional capsules and the flavor capsules ranging in length from about1 mm to about 8 mm and one or more of the functional capsules, theflavor capsules, or both the functional capsules and the flavor capsulesranging in length from about 8 mm to about 14 mm.
 11. The oral productof claim 3, wherein the oral product weighs about 0.5 g to about 5.0 gor about 0.2 g to about 0.5 g and has dimensions of less than about 25mm.
 12. The oral product of claim 1, wherein the capsules have shells ofvarying thicknesses which allow the shells to dissolve at varying ratesand release ingredients of the capsules at varying rates in the oralcavity when placed therein.
 13. The oral product of claim 12, whereinthe shells have thicknesses of at least about 0.1 mm.
 14. The oralproduct of claim 3, wherein the matrix is molded into a shape includingpouch, half-moon, crescent, oblong, rhombus, trapezoid, rectangle,square, oval, sphere, heart, rod-shape, or any combination thereof, orwherein the matrix is molded into a shape that is indicative of a flavorcontained therein.
 15. The oral product of claim 3, wherein the binderincludes sodium alginate, sugar, agar, guar gum, flour and water,maltodextrin, or any combination thereof.
 16. The oral product of claim1, wherein the membrane comprises about 60 wt % to about 70 wt. % of thechemically cross-linkable polymer.
 17. The oral product of claim 1,wherein the insoluble, cross-linked component further includes alginate,pectin, carrageenan, or any combination thereof.
 18. An oral productcomprising a matrix comprising: a binder; a viscous component; anoptional powdered component; and a plurality of capsules, the matrixmolded into a shape sized and configured to fit comfortably in a mouth,and the matrix enclosed in a membrane coating, the membrane coatingincluding, a soluble, non-cross linked component, and an insoluble,cross-linked component, the soluble, non-cross-linked componentincluding a non-cross-linkable polymer including starch, dextrin, gumarabic, guar gum, chitosan, cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polylactide,soy protein, whey protein, or any combination thereof, the insoluble,cross-linked component including one or more modified polysaccharideswith cross-linkable functional groups, and the membrane including asingle layer having an inner surface in contact with the matrix and anouter surface which is exposed to saliva and tissue in the oral cavitywhen placed therein.
 19. The oral product of claim 18, wherein theinsoluble, cross-linked component further includes alginate, pectin,carrageenan, or any combination thereof.
 20. An oral product comprisinga matrix comprising: a binder; a viscous component; an optional powderedcomponent; and a plurality of capsules, the matrix molded into a shapesized and configured to fit comfortably in a mouth, and the matrixenclosed in a membrane coating including, a soluble, non-cross-linkedpolymer, and an insoluble, cross-linked polymer, the soluble,non-cross-linked polymer including a non-cross-linkable polymerincluding starch, dextrin, gum arabic, guar gum, chitosan, cellulose,polyvinyl alcohol, polylactide, soy protein, whey protein, or anycombination thereof, and the insoluble, cross-linked polymer beingformed by cross-linking a cross-linkable polymer with a cross-linkingagent, the cross-linkable polymer includes one or more modifiedpolysaccharides with cross-linkable functional groups.